Delicious Cake Donut Recipe
Introduction
These delicious cake donuts are a perfect treat for any time of day. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they’re easy to make at home and sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- Vegetable or canola oil, for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Step 2: In another bowl, beat the eggs lightly, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and any flavorings like vanilla extract. Mix until combined.
- Step 3: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Step 4: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and roll it out to about 1/2-inch thickness.
- Step 5: Cut out donut shapes using a donut cutter, cookie cutter, or knife.
- Step 6: Heat enough vegetable or canola oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F (175°C) to submerge the donuts completely.
- Step 7: Carefully place a few donuts at a time into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd.
- Step 8: Fry each side until golden brown, about 1–2 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to flip and remove them from the oil.
- Step 9: Transfer the donuts to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Step 10: Let the donuts cool slightly before adding toppings or glaze. Enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Use buttermilk for tender, moist donuts; regular milk can be substituted if needed.
- Try glazing your donuts with a simple powdered sugar glaze or dust with cinnamon sugar.
- If you don’t have a donut cutter, two round cookie cutters of different sizes work well.
- Make sure the oil stays at the right temperature to avoid greasy or undercooked donuts.
Storage
Store donuts in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days for best freshness. If you want to keep them longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a microwave for about 15 seconds or briefly in a toaster oven to restore crispness.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I bake these cake donuts instead of frying?
Yes. You can bake the donuts at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. They won’t have the same crisp exterior but will still be delicious.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
To make a buttermilk substitute, add 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
PrintDelicious Cake Donut Recipe
Enjoy this classic homemade cake donut recipe that produces perfectly golden, soft, and fluffy donuts fried to perfection. Made with simple pantry ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, and buttermilk, these donuts are a delicious treat that’s quick to prepare and ideal for breakfast or dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 donuts 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs, then add the buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract if using. Stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Blend wet and dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the donuts tender.
- Roll out dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to approximately 1/2-inch thickness for even frying.
- Cut shapes: Use a donut cutter or cookie cutter to cut out donut shapes. If unavailable, use a knife to carefully cut the dough into circles with holes in the center.
- Heat oil: In a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot, heat vegetable or canola oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure there’s enough oil to fully submerge the donuts.
- Fry donuts: Carefully add a few donuts to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry each side for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown, flipping using a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Drain excess oil: Remove the fried donuts and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.
- Cool & serve: Allow the donuts to cool slightly before adding your favorite toppings or glaze. Enjoy fresh for best taste!
Notes
- Do not overmix the batter to prevent tough donuts.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for even frying and to avoid greasy donuts.
- Use a wire rack instead of just paper towels to keep donuts crispy.
- Customize with glazes, powdered sugar, or cinnamon sugar toppings.
- Leftover donuts are best eaten fresh but can be reheated in a toaster oven.
Keywords: cake donuts, homemade donuts, fried donuts, easy donut recipe, breakfast donuts

